Window Treatments To Consider For Your Home

Posted on Oct 15 2013 - 10:31am by Victoria Heckstall

Windows

Updating your home’s interior can make dull, boring rooms bright and fresh again. One of the best ways to change the look of a room is by changing the window treatments. The eye is drawn to the windows because that’s where the light comes in, so it is only natural that you’d want to put your best foot forward when it comes to dressing up your windows. Here are a few of the best window treatments to consider for your home.

Panels and Valance

One of the most frequently used types of window treatments are panels and a valance. They’re popular for good reason: they work wonderfully for framing windows. Choose this option when you have big, beautiful windows with a view that you want to show off. The panels should be softly gathered at the sides of the window, and the valence goes across the top. If you’d like a bit of privacy while still allowing natural light in, put a pair of sheer panels behind the colored panels and draw them across the window.

Window Shades

Today’s window blinds come in many different materials to give your windows a dressy touch while providing the convenience of easy-to-adjust blinds. Roman shades are a popular choice, as are cream waterproof blinds. Choose colors, patterns and fabrics that complement the rest of your home’s décor when choosing shades.

Roller Shades

Roller shades are retro, but they’re making a comeback. This type of window covering is easy to dress up or down, according to the style of your home. Roller shades come in all kinds of fabrics and patterns with decorative pulls at the end. If you live in an older home, the retro look of roller shades can add an authentic look.

Panels Only

Panels hung on a curtain rod are the most traditional type of window treatment, and it’s one that has been around for ages. It’s a highly functional option, and with all the fabrics and patterns available today, it’s a beautiful choice. This type of configuration also makes it easy for you to change out your window treatments as often as you’d like to add a bit of variety to the room. For multiple windows that are close together, use several small curtain rods for each panel rather than one large curtain rod.

Swags

Some people prefer that their windows have minimal covering. If you enjoy lots of natural light, and if energy efficiency isn’t a concern, you can minimize your coverings, too. Swags are an excellent way to highlight a window without covering it up. Swags can be used to add accent to the top and sides of the windows and still allow all that beautiful natural light through. If you’d like more privacy, use sheer panels under the swags.

Pleated Shades

Unlike other types of shades, pleated shades fit within the window’s frame for a more unified look. The pleated appearance of the fabric provides visual interest and a tailored look to small windows. They’re also easy to adjust to allow the light to flow in, so this option works very well in tight spaces with small windows.

Shutters

Shutters aren’t just for the outside, and they serve as more than just a decorative function in many homes. Although large, wooden shutters are beautiful, they are popular window treatments in areas where powerful storms occur often. They provide both protection and aesthetics, and come in several types of wood and in many stain colors.

Now you have plenty of options for dressing up the windows in your home. Use fabrics and patterns that play off of each other as you go from room to room to bring a sense of cohesiveness to the home.

Photo Credit: Flickr/Kevin Kise

About the Author

Victoria Heckstall is a professional writer who has been writing online since 2011. She is also the owner of Young Work At Home Moms where she shares advice with others who want to work from home.